Name: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes are soft, fluffy, and filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake center. Each bite offers a sweet surprise, combining the richness of cheesecake with the comfort of a classic donut. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how indulgent yet playful these donut holes are. The cheesecake filling brings a luxurious texture and flavor, while the fresh strawberry notes make them feel light and summery. They’re easy to make in batches, and whether I’m hosting a party or just craving a cozy treat, these always hit the spot.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Milk
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Unsalted butter (melted)
Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Fresh strawberries (chopped)
Oil for frying

directions

I start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt—in a large bowl.
In another bowl, I whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
I combine the wet and dry ingredients until a thick dough forms.
For the filling, I beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and fold in the chopped strawberries until smooth.
I roll the dough into small balls and flatten each slightly, placing a small spoonful of the filling in the center.
Then, I carefully seal the dough around the filling and shape it back into a ball.
I heat oil in a deep pot and fry the donut holes in batches until golden brown on all sides.
After draining on paper towels, I let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or rolling in cinnamon sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 donut holes.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap out the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries depending on the season. For a chocolate twist, I mix mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling. If I want a baked version, I use a mini muffin tin and bake them at 350°F for about 12–15 minutes, brushing with melted butter afterward.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing them because the texture of the filling changes after thawing.

FAQs

How do I keep the filling from leaking during frying?

I make sure to seal the dough completely around the filling. Pressing the edges firmly before reshaping into a ball helps prevent leaks.

Can I use store-bought biscuit dough?

Yes, I can. If I want to save time, pre-made biscuit dough works well. I just flatten each piece, stuff with the filling, and fry as usual.

What oil is best for frying?

I like to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. It keeps the flavor clean and fries evenly.

Can I make them ahead of time?

I can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. I just assemble and fry right before serving for the best texture.

Are these donut holes gluten-free?

Not as written, but I can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes are a delightful mashup of two classic desserts. With their creamy center and golden, crispy exterior, they’re the kind of treat I look forward to making again and again. Whether I serve them at a brunch or enjoy a few with coffee, they never disappoint.